Microwave-assisted improvement in dyeing behavior of chemical and bio-mordanted silk fabric using safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L) extract

The resurgence of natural colorant in textile dyeing is gaining popularity due to their ecofriendly benefits. The current study has been concerned with dyeing of silk fabric using extract obtained from safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) which was microwave irradiated for 1–5 min. To make dyeing process more ecofriendly, bio-mordants and chemical mordants have been employed at optimal conditions. It is found that microwave treatment to the extract for 3 min is suitable to get darker shades with acceptable color characteristics using un-irradiated silk. It has been found that dyeing of un-irradiated silk fabric for 60 min using acidic extract of Safflower (pH 2) has given high color strength. Rating of colorfastness reveals that 7% of curcumin and lawsone as bio-mordant has not only given high color depth but also rated excellent fastness properties as compared to chemical mordants used. It is found that microwave treatment has not only improved the dyeing behavior of carthamin but also enhanced the color characteristics.